I wonder if the reason the producers when with him was because of the box office draw. He has won several awards for his performances and has become a big name in the industry. You are right that there is most likely trans actors out there that could do the part better from experience but it's the name that would draw in the crowds (=MONEY) that they went with.

Thanks to both of you! I would only add Jae, when trans actors do play cis roles with any frequency-the reverse should happen and Michelle-the money does do the talking. Until trans actors begin to carry the "star" power to carry a box office risk -"show me the money"- I'm sure will be the rule with film/broadcast productions.